Fighting For History

Bradley and Alexander speak out

By Bob Ryder

Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley fielded questions from the media during a teleconference presser on Wednesday and both were clear that their upcoming January 29th contest at the Pontiac Silverdome near Detroit, MI is more than just a big fight, it is their chance at fistic immortality.

Bradley was especially emphatic on what he hopes to accomplish in boxing, with the Alexander fight as the jumping off point. “I want the best fights. My biggest goal in boxing is to be remembered. I want to be talked about years from now. You do that by fighting the best.” Tim compared his and Alexander’s willingness to put their records on the line with the great match-ups of the past mentioning Ali-Frazier, Pryor-Arguello, and Leonard-Duran. “This is what boxing needs,” he observed. “Best fighting the best.”

Alexander also was clear on his goals for this fight and beyond. “I’m Alexander the Great, I’m seeking greatness. Ain’t nobody beat me-ain’t nobody going to beat me. This is like the old days, when everyone wanted to fight the best.”

Both Alexander and Bradley were very respectful of each other throughout the conference. They seem to realize how unique this match up is given the boxing landscape of today with sometimes undeserving mandatory title challengers and protected records and were anxious to give each other props for taking part in the fight. “Shows what type of fighters we are” is how Bradley described it and added ” Devon is a good slick fighter. Both of us are determined.” Alexander concurred with “Bradley brings heart just like me. Two big hearts will make a great fight.”

The undefeated 140 pounders are both pleased with the way their training camps have gone and are prepared both physically and mentally. Alexander stated that “we have a master plan. We are looking to take over every round.” Bradley reported that he has already gone through six sparring partners “putting rounds in the gym”. In response to a question about how his recent limited in ring activity might affect him, Bradley said that because of his busy training, “I should not be rusty.”

It is the determination and desire of Alexander and Bradley to risk their undefeated status at this stage of their careers that makes this fight potentially special. But beyond that it is as Timothy summed up so succinctly, “this fight is good for boxing.”

Tickets for the Alexander-Bradley showdown are available at 248-338-2500 and at www.silverdometickets.com. The fight will also be shown live at 10 PM EST on HBO and is being co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions, Don King Productions, and Gary Shaw Productions.